140 FISHING IN EDEN 



fishermen of all kinds know that it is only for one 

 odd hour out of the twenty-four that their tempting 

 lures will be of any use that magic hour just before 

 dark. 



It is in these seventh and eighth months of the 

 year that the minnows begin to shoal in the quiet 

 eddies, and the safe, thin water at the edges of the 

 river. Their eyes are very quick, and sense of 

 vibration keen. As you approach their retreats you 

 must keep your shadow out of sight and set your 

 feet down quietly if you wish to watch them. For 

 should you suddenly stand up you will not only see 

 the minnows dash away, but odd trout also, which 

 have been lurking on their borders. The reason 

 for this is day-time-feeding trout follow the shoaling 

 minnows in July and August. 



It is at this time of the year that odd fishermen 

 on the Eden begin to use the natural minnow as a 

 bait, though not by any means all of them do it. 

 The regular fly-man is seldom a minnow fisher. 

 " Bob " used to speak of old Joe, and young so and 

 so as " Minnow fishers " ; distinguishing them from 

 his own particular tribe in this way. 



These minnow fishermen are not of the modern 

 kind, fitted up with patent reels, who fish minnow 

 at all times of the season and in all waters. 

 Generally speaking, they only go out when the 



